Prioritizing Equity and Health in Electrification

Staving off the most catastrophic impacts of climate change means transitioning away from fossil fuels and powering everything with clean energy. As we build out a clean electrical grid, we need energy end users–like buildings–to use electricity rather than gas.

To protect our climate and human health, cities like San José, California, are taking strategic measures to make building electrification a reality. With residential buildings representing the largest source of natural gas use in the city, San José’s initiatives aim to reshape how these buildings are powered while prioritizing community needs, equity, and affordable housing.

This December 2024 article I wrote for Urban Land builds on the collaborative work that I did with the Urban Land Institute and the City of San José to support the equitable electrification of existing multifamily homes and move the market forward. It includes critical steps for building owners to consider and resources (including where to get free money from the State of California!) to make electrification easier.